DJI has recently unveiled the Matrice 4, an advanced enterprise-level drone that draws inspiration from the sleek design of the Mavic 3. With exciting new features and cutting-edge capabilities, there’s already much to consider about this innovative new system. A big addition to the new Matrice range, is the inclusion of AI features and onboard edge computing – now you can track and count cars, people and boats all from on screen and can even produce low-detail 3D models to aid flight planning.
DJI's Strategic Shift: Redefining Mavic and Matrice Branding
DJI is making a noticeable shift in its naming strategy by moving away from the "Mavic" branding for certain models. This shift suggests that DJI is reserving the "Mavic" branding exclusively for consumer drones while using the "Matrice" name for enterprise models.
After releasing about a dozen models under the Mavic name, the company introduced two enterprise-focused drones within the last year: the Matrice 3, designed for Dock 2 operations, and now the Matrice 4.
Design Changes
While the name differs, the Matrice 4’s body strongly resembles that of the Mavic 3. However, key differences include the addition of an RTK module mounted on top and a significantly larger payload at the front, making it more suited for heavy-duty operations.
Size Comparison
- Matrice 4 vs. Mavic 3 Enterprise: The Matrice 4 is ~60% larger in size.
- Matrice 4 vs. Matrice 30: The Matrice 4 is ~60% smaller in size.
Weight Comparison
- Matrice 4 vs. Mavic 3 Enterprise: The Matrice 4 is ~30% heavier.
- Matrice 4 vs. Matrice 30: The Matrice 4 is ~60% lighter.
This breakdown highlights how the Matrice 4 fits between the compact Mavic 3 Enterprise and the rugged Matrice 30, balancing portability with payload capacity.
AI Capabilities
Another standout feature is its AI functionality. This is not necessarily a new feature for a drone this size, there others. However, the Matrice 4 differentiates itself with the ability to do your own model training. While DJI has yet to elaborate on the details, the AI model training feature has the potential to enhance drone versatility, though it remains similar to existing visual-based AI learning models.
Comparison with Mavic 3 Enterprise Series
In terms of the nuts and bolts of the unit, it does seem to be an improvement over the Mavic 3 Enterprise line in many aspects. The built-in RTK module allows it to function safely above people while still allowing for the expected levels of accuracy a base station provides. Low light obstacle avoidance is certainly an addition that most pilots appreciate. Finally, the NIR light on the Matrice 4 Thermal unit will certainly become a favorite for first responders. However, DJI’s improved anti-spoofing technology might present some challenges for certain users.
In terms of pilot assist features, we think the cruise function has the best chance to change a pilot's workflow. With the drone able to maintain a forward momentum on its own, a single pilot could spend a lot of time focusing on their payload to capture the best dataset. Object tracking is not a new function for DJI drones, but users of this function would not call it smart before. We will have to see if DJI’s new algorithms can improve tracking in the real world, once we have access to the hardware. However, I believe the FlyTo function is the most interesting. DJI has been testing this function out for a while. In high-pressure or confusing scenarios, such as rescue missions for first responders, we will have to see if point and click drone flying will improve operational efficiency.
Matrice 4 Enterprise and Thermal Features
As there is a lot to learn about the Matrice 4 Enterprise and Thermal variants, we have created this chart of the new drone’s most interesting features for you to compare against the current model: the Mavic 3 Enterprise series.
|
Function |
M4T |
M4E |
M3T |
M3E |
M30T |
|
Max Horizontal Speed (N mode) |
21m/s |
21m/s |
15m/s |
15m/s |
23 m/s
|
|
Max Ascend Speed (N mode) |
10m/s |
10m/s |
6m/s |
6m/s |
6m/s
|
|
Max Descent Speed (N mode) |
8m/s |
8m/s |
6m/s |
6m/s |
5m/s
|
|
Low-light Positioning & Obstacle Avoidance |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
GNSS anti-jamming/spoofing |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
4G Enhanced Transmission |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓
|
|
1× Wide Camera, 7x Tele camera |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
** |
|
3× Medium Tele Camera |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
1×, 3×, 7×, 14×, 28×, 56×, 128× Zoom Control |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
** |
|
Lens dehazing by self-heating |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
Black and white night vision (IR filter OFF) |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
NIR light |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain Mode: Low / High, UHR Infrared Image |
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓
|
|
High-Res Live View Mode |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement Range: 1800 m |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
Human, cars, boats detection |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
AI Enhanced High-Res Grid Photo |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
✓ |
|
Pinpoint, POI, Look At |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓
|
|
Cruise, Smart Track, Flyto, Observed View |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
AI Spot-Check in Waypoint Route |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓
|
|
Area Route - Ortho - Smart Oblique (3D) |
|
✓ |
|
|
|
|
Area Route - Oblique - Smart Oblique (5D) |
✓ |
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
|
Linear Route, Real-time Terrain Follow, Slope Route, Geometric Route |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
* |
|
Smart 3D Capture |
|
✓ |
|
|
|
|
Obstacle bypass during task |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
|
|
AS1 Speaker: voice recording, media imports, text-to-speech conversion, real-time broadcasting. |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
** |
|
DJI AL1 Spotlight: Gimbal Link, always-on and strobe modes. |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
** |
* Indicates when a drone has some, but not all of the features listed.
** Indicates when a drone has a different solution that accomplishes a similar result.
Key Accessories
The most interesting item for current Mavic Enterprise users is that the AS1 Speaker, which DJI will be releasing with the Matrice 4, will also be backwards compatible with the Mavic 3 Enterprise series. Mavic 3 Enterprise users are probably already aware of the 3rd party options, but this will mark the first speaker system that DJI has made for a drone the size of a Mavic 3. A fact that Mavic 3 users will celebrate because DJI pilots know that DJI payloads always just work when attached to a DJI drone.
Contact Us for More Information
Interested in learning more about the Matrice 4 or its advanced accessories like the AS1 speaker and AL1 spotlight? Contact us at info@volatusdrones.ca, and our experts will be delighted to assist you.